Preparing For A Trip To Mexico

Make Sure Your Papers Are In Order

You need a passport to get into Mexico. Processing time is around two months. Actually, when traveling by land, the Mexicans may not ask you for your
passport but you'll need to show it on your way out of Mexico. You really shouldn't even consider not having a passport - it is an internationally
recognized ID that could spare you from a lot of hassle - and not only in Mexico.

Americans, Canadians and Europeans do not need a visa to go to Mexico as long as they don't stay beyond 180 days. Everybody else will need to apply for
a visa. One caveat, if you are going to Mexico to work, do business, or study you will need a visa irregardless of your citizenship.

Get Your Shots

The following immunization shots are recommended before traveling to Mexico.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Rabies

Typhoid

That said, Mexico has excellent medical facilities. Bring a first-aid kit for when you are in one of the more remote areas or for emergencies.

¿Puedes hablar español?

Bring a
Spanish phrase book
. Many Mexicans speak English but expect fluency to drop as you go to the rural areas. Remember, trying to communicate using the local language,
even just a phrase or two, will be greatly appreciated as a sign of goodwill by the locals.

Weather

The weather in Mexico is generally warm to hot. The exceptions are the higher elevations where it gets chilly from November to January. Hurricane
season is from June to November. Beach season is from October to May.

Mexico is close to the equator so there is greater danger of sunburn because of the stronger sun.

Packing List For Mexico

Here are two packing lists. One for her and the other for him.

One word of advice: Pack as light as possible - if you can eliminate some items so much the better.This list is so you don't forget anything. Even so
if you do forget, you can always buy it in Mexico right? Another thing to remember is that there are laundry services in Mexico so don't overpack. Here
are the lists . . .

Known as 7 Day Shorts this ultra-comfortable cotton/polyester blend rides slightly higher than your waist and has a wide leg silhouette for
full freedom of movement on your Mexican trip. Side pockets give it the utility you'll need. Available in a variety of colors (the one shown is
Heather Charcoal).

The breezy, relaxed fit Aeroposale Aero 1987 Graphic T-Shirt is just the thing for the warm Mexican weather. Made of cool cotton and wrinkle-
resistant polyester this shirt is the perfect balance of casual and trendy.

Admit it, you're going to eat a lot of tacos, nachos and all the other fun, messy Mexican food. Those things fall all over the place! With this
Jerzees Ladies' shirt getting the mess out is just a matter of wiping it off. This cotton/polyester blend shirt is your stain resistant vacation shirt.

Cotton/polyester blend vintage-style blouse. The long-sleeves will come in handy when you need protection from the harsh Mexican sun. This casual
blouse can also double as a beach coverup. Don't discount the pocket, it's going to be surprisingly convenient on your trip.

Choosing light color clothing will reflect the sun rather than absorb it. This pants are made of soft stretch twill and a stretchable waistband for
maximum comfort. Straight leg cut gives you moving space and ventilation while your touring the ruins.

What did they wear before jeans? Who knows? Don't go to Mexico without your most versatile item of clothing. A pair like the Levi's shown here is the
closest thing to body armor specially if your going to be roughing it in the Mexican countryside.

What better than a sun dress for the Mexican sun? This is just one of the many color and design combinations available for this style of dress. The
idea is to have something light and breezy for those extra hot afternoons.

These elastic cotton/spandex peds are designed to stay in place while protecting your feet. The low profile guarantees that they're practicaly
invisible and an elastic top band keeps them in place even during those long hikes..

It's very likely that in Mexico you're going to tour the incredibly fascinating sites of the Ancient Americans. You'll be doing a fair amount of
walking and some clambering - all a bit rough and fun. You'll love these socks for those kind of activities. These Thorlo socks emphasize fit and
cushoining - exactly what you need.

For swimsuits, you can't go wrong with Speedo. Practical design melded with quality materials. Speedo swimsuits are guaranteed to retain their body
hugging stretch even when exposed to chemicals such as suntan lotions and chlorine.

This washable broad-brimmed hat has a nearly 4-inch brim - enough to protect your face. It's got a built in sweatband for the inevitable result of
climbing and hiking through Mexico. Once you've got it all stained and dirty don't worry - it's washable.

Barring any highland adventures, you don't have to keep warm in Mexico. But it might rain. This jacket boasts excellent rain proof capabilities. That
said, those who have tried it in colder climes claim that it does have some warmth-giving capabilities because it is also a windbreaker.

Make that a very light cardigan instead of a sweater. It's more practical because it's easier to take a cardigan on and off for temperature control -
you'll likely want to keep warm only some of the time. Extremely light, Mexico doesn't require any heavy duty warm clothing.

The lighter the clothing the more likely it is to reflect the sun and keep you cool. Dark clothing is also equated with the office. Bleh! These
khaki's should remind you that you're on vacation. The buttons on the back pockets are also perfect against pickpockets.

You won't need to keep warm, all you need is to prepare for the remote possibility of rain. This jacket is water repellent and a windbreaker. Not
enough? How about this: It's made of recycled plastic bottles. Yup.

Where To Put It All

Yes, it's gorgeous, and at 29-inches it's got a lot of space. Heavy when packed. Not to worry though, those four spinner wheels and the one-touch
telescoping handle makes this luggage move effortlessly. Polycarbonate hardcase gives any fragile materials that much extra protection.

You also might be buying some Mexican souvenirs. In which case you should bring along a
collapsible bag
for the return trip.

Money Matters

Last, but not the least it's worthwhile to know that Mexico does have ATMs and money changers. You know, just in case you're planning to carry a lot of
cash on your person when you go in - not the safest idea.